The traditional method of enamel preparation was described by Cunynghame and Chapin. Large chunks of enamel were wrapped in a piece of cloth and broken with a hammer. The cloth was to prevent the particles from flying about, getting into one's eye or being lost. When the enamel had been broken into pieces about the size of a pea, they were washed to remove any lint.... (1982)Complete Story

Sifting is the process of dropping and catching falling enamel particles. The control factors are mesh size of the enamel; mesh size of the screen; the load of the sifter; the size and shape of the surface to be covered; the use or non-use of a holding agent; the desired pattern; the application evenness and thickness and personal motor skills.... (1983)Complete Story

Small ornamental clocks were among the medium priced ornamental objects that were in huge demand in the 19th century. This gave opportunities for enameled decorations to be added for a valuable, individualistic appearance for every piece, even when the actual metal clock housings were mass produced to a standard format. One of the most successful styles was the copying in miniature of the larger, square-cased portable clocks widely used in the 19th century and known by their French name of pendules portative or otherwise as carriage clocks. These had the important attribute that the movements did not lose accuracy when these clocks were moved about. This was a breakthrough of the period in clock design and the clock cases were made to be robust and with swing handles.... (2003)Complete Story

Early in the 1400's someone discovered that a design of juxta- positioned colored enamels would not intermingle when heated to their fusing temperature. Partitions were not necessary! Then someone found that one color could be applied over another with a second firing. The big discovery-thin metal-could be used if enamel was applied to both sides prior to firing. The result was a new technique called painted enamel..... (1997)Complete Story